Liverpool 'hot favourites to land Italian wonderkid Barella'

Liverpool are red hot favourites to sign Italian wonderkid Nicolo Barella, according to reports from the country.

The Cagliari midfielder, 21, is fast becoming one of the most exciting prospects in Serie A, and a summer bidding war could see his market value sky-rocket.

But Football Italia claim Liverpool are leading the pack for his signature, and the midfielder could set them back around £44million. Barella has made nine appearances for Cagliari in all competitions this season, and was even on the scoresheet in their 1-0 win over Atalanta. The youngster also recently represented Italy in their 1-1 draw with Ukraine on Wednesday.